Camp Widow 2010

Almost 200 widows and widowers attended Camp Widow, August 6th-8th in San Diego this year.  It was the second annual conference sponsored through the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation.  I feel very blessed.  Because of a recent surgery, it was questionable whether or not my surgeon would clear me to attend.  Thank goodness for skycaps, bell-hops, taxi drivers, and good-willed folks, I was able to have my physical restrictions addressed and take part once again.  Camp Widow is a gathering of widows/ers from their mid-20's to their 60's, partners of widows, speakers, and other supporters of widows.  It is a weekend of unity, empowerment, education, inspiration, reflection, friendship, fellowship, tears, hugs, laughter, and celebration--yes, celebration--celebration of our strength, independence, growth, and hope as we embark on and navigate through this new journey none of us chose.  Social gatherings, speakers, workshops, a semi-formal dinner/dance, and a 5K widows dash were the highlights of the weekend.

Camp Widow was kicked off with an inspirational keynote address given by Michele Neff-Hernandez, founder of SSLF.  She used the analogy of rock climbing to that of widowhood. She suggested that the early period of widowhood is much like being thrust to the bottom of a steep canyon flanked with rock walls.  Those at the bottom may gaze up to see others climbing above, reassuring us that these walls have been navigated by those before us, providing hope and inspiration that, yes, it can be done and we will get to the top in our own time based on our unique circumstances.  Every foothold, every crevice has been touched by those farther along in the journey.  And yes, we may at times slip and lose a foothold, forcing us to lose ground, forcing us starting over again from that place.  As we know, rock climbing takes discipline, concentration, perseverance, patience, encouragement, initiative, courage, and strength.  I believe every widow/er at Camp Widow possesses those qualities.  We are all progressing along that steep canyon wall.  We are all at different places on that wall.  Above us are those who support, encourage and inspire us.  Below are those who need our support, encouragement, and inspiration.  I am confident that we will all get to the top.  We are survivors.  We are strong.  We have one another.  Thank you to Michele and all the widows/ers.  In unity there is strength.


For more information on the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation, please visit:  http://www.sslf.org/

Thanks for stopping by....

Mary